Studies of Achilles for ‘Chiron and Achilles’ 1922 - 1925

John Singer Sargent made this drawing, ‘Studies of Achilles for ‘Chiron and Achilles’', as preparation for a larger work. It’s a whirlwind of graphite, a flurry of ideas pinned down on paper. I love how Sargent isn't precious here; it's all about process. Look at the arm, repeated in different positions, the torso emerging from a cloud of lines. You can feel him searching, erasing, building up the form. The texture is so immediate, the smudges and hatched lines creating a sense of depth and movement. Notice the way he defines the muscles with quick, confident strokes, then softens the edges with a bit of rubbing. It's like he's sculpting with light and shadow. That arm reaching up grabs my attention. The way the hand clenches, the tension in the bicep. It speaks of power, but also vulnerability. Sargent's bravura style reminds me of other artists like Manet, who were similarly interested in capturing the fleeting moment. But what sets Sargent apart is his ability to combine that immediacy with a deep understanding of form. It’s never just about the surface, it’s always about the underlying structure.